Communicating at a Japanese Hair Salon: How to Get the Hairstyle You Want

Written by Tokyo Beauty Stars EditorsMarch 14th, 2017

Trying a new salon anywhere can be stressful, but it’s infinitely more so in a foreign language. Whether you’re a tourist looking for a unique experience or you’re here for the long-run, use this conversation guide to help make your trip to a Japanese salon go as smoothly and as stress-free as possible.

Photo by Sodanie Chea, Flickr

Anyone who has ever been to Japan has likely noticed how incredibly beautiful most people’s hair is. While this may be due in part to good genes, it’s much more likely that these fashionable locals frequent a good salon. The salons of Japan are some of the most technologically advanced in the world, and the staff members pride themselves on their superior technique, exceptional customer service, and that special Japanese hospitality (おもてなし, omotenashi) not available anywhere else.

The basic services available in Japanese hair salons (美容院, biyo̅in) include: shampoo, haircut, blow dry, hair color, perm, straightening, conditioning treatment, extensions, style setting, make-up, and more. While these may be offered in most countries, the experience of a visit to a Japanese salon is incomparable . That being saidHowever, many people visiting Japan avoid this luxurious experience despite wanting to try it simply because of the language barrier. Worrying about communication takes the fun out of an experience that is supposed to relaxing.

Photo by bobbi vie, Flickr

Here’s everything you need to know in order to make your next salon visit in Japan a smooth one!

2. How to Make a Reservation

Photo by Iain Watson, Flickr

*While most salons can accept walk-ins, this isn’t recommended. Especially for tourists here with a limited window of time, it’s much safer to find a salon and to make an appointment beforehand. This can be done by phone or by visiting the salon in person to make a reservation for a later date and time. For those living in or visiting Tokyo, check out tokyobeautystars for bookings, reservations, and special service deals in English.

Stating AM or PM and military time is also fine, but it’s not necessary. To make the time between the hour, simply add 半 (はん, han). For example, 2:30 would be ２時半 (にじはん, nijihan).

Photo by mrhayata, Flickr

Let’s take a look at an example conversation:

*Note: を is traditionally pronounced as wo, but it is currently pronounced o in speech. Either pronunciation would be understood, but the modern pronunciation was used in the following romaji.

Example conversation

Customer: I’d like to make a reservation.
予約したいんですけど…
(Yoyaku shitai n desu kedo…)

Stylist: Okay! What time would you like it to be?
はい、分かりました！何時がよろしいでしょうか？
(Hai, wakarimashita! nanji ga yoroshii desho̅ ka?)

C: Is there an appointment available at 6:00 today?
今日の６時に予約できますか？
(Kyo̅ no rokuji ni yoyaku dekimasu ka?)

S: I’m sorry, but we’re booked during that time. Would you like to book a different time
for today or tomorrow?
すみませんが、その時もう予約があります。今日か明日、他の時間がよろしいですか？
(Sumimasen ga, sono toki mo̅ yoyaku ga arimasu. Kyo̅ ka ashita, hoka no jikan ga yoroshii desu ka?)

C: I see. Then could I make a reservation for 12:30 tomorrow?
分かりました。では、明日の12時半に予約できますか？
(Wakarimashita. Dewa, ashita no ju̅nijihan ni yoyaku dekimasu ka?)

S: Yes, that time is available. What will we be doing?
できますよ！どうされますか？
(Dekimasu yo! Dousaremasu ka?)

5. Paying for Your Visit

Photo by Philip Taylor, Flickr

Please note that not everywhere in Japan accepts credit cards. While the popularity is growing, it is still possible that your salon will only accept cash. If this is an important factor in deciding your salon, it may be better to ask when making the initial reservation.

Unlike many Western countries, there is no tipping in Japan! Everything is included in the bill, so just pay and be on your way!

There’s all the basics! Hopefully this is everything you’ll need in order to have a relaxing, enjoyable time at your next salon visit. If you’re not sure about your pronunciation or are maybe afraid you’ll forget, it may be a good idea to print or bookmark this page to take to the salon with you. Better safe than sorry!